Summer, Holidays and long weekends often convert into a long drive, where you leave your lovely home and go somewhere far to ideally unwind, relax and enjoy your life.
Whether it is a vacation or a relative visit, destinations will always be exciting, and so should the trip itself. Your bags are packed, and your itinerary is planned, but how ready is your car for the long journey on the road?
Just like you would prepare yourself for the big day, your car should be in good form. That’s why we’ve produced a list of tips from car mechanics in Tullamarine and vehicle professionals on how to prepare your car for a road trip effectively. So read along to learn how to stay safe and ready for your epic adventure!
Check the battery
Before packing your travel necessities, you must ensure that every crucial part of your vehicle is appropriately functioning. You shall start with the car battery by checking the connections and removing corrosion.
If you see any corrosion, disconnect the battery, clean the connections using a wire brush and place it back. But since corrosive acid can leak if the battery is removed by force, you might want to see a specialist and entrust this task to them.
You should generally check your car battery once a year, especially if it is already older than two years. You may visit a Car Mechanic Tullamarine to get an accurate inspection of your battery.
Inspect the tires
Tire inflation and condition can affect the safety and performance of your car, so make sure that it is in good condition and the pressure is optimal.
Also, check the tire tread to see if it is still in good condition. The tread provides traction and helps channel water away from your tire to stay in contact with the wet road. In addition, do not forget to bring spare tires on your way to your trip.
Learn how to fix a flat tire
Let us say that your tire is in optimal shape, and you have a spare tire in your trunk. Preparing and inspecting them beforehand is helpful enough to prevent incidents; you also need to know how to change them.
You cannot say when your car needs some changes, and if you do not know how to do it, your supposed fun and enjoying road trip may ruin. You may watch online tutorials or personally ask for tutorials with car mechanics in Tullamarine to learn how to use a jack, tire wrench, and cranking mechanism in changing tires.
Check all the car’s fluids.
Engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluids, and windshield fluids must be checked before you hit the road. By doing this, you can avoid making emergency stops and look for service along the way.
Also, you shall check your car engine coolant and ensure that the tank is filled according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. At the same time, if it is applicable, keep an eye on your clutch and power steering fluid.
Lastly, do not forget to change the oil filter, which helps to provide long-term health for your car’s engine. The engine air filter should also be kept clean because dust and debris can block it, allowing particles to enter your engine and degrade its efficiency.
Look at the lights
Faulty lights are dangerous as they can impact your visibility, and other motorists may have difficulty seeing you from a distance. That is why you shall turn on each light – headlights, brake lights, blinkers, and interior lighting.
Besides, the police can pull you over for not having functional lights. You surely do not want that to happen, as it may take extra time on your road trip.
Go for a tune-up
Tuning up your car is like warming up before doing body exercises. Car tune-up usually includes:
- Replacing worn spark plugs.
- Making the engine easier to start.
- Improving fuel economy.
- Lowering emissions.
- Restoring lost power.
So if years have passed since your last car tune-up, you might want to visit car mechanics in Tullamarine before you hit the road.
Equip car accessories
If you plan on taking a long car trip, it is vital to take the time to prepare your car properly. It would help if you had all the car accessories needed for your trip. Installing interior car accessories such as car mats is one of the most important things. Car mats help protect your car’s interior and make it easy to clean. Plus, they are a must-have for those who have pets.
Carry a roadside survival kit
You are obliged to be prepared for every situation that may arise on the road. That is, having said, you shall have a roadside survival kit to solve unexpected scenarios quickly.
Roadside survival kits may include a spare mobile phone, power bank, flashlights, pliers, screwdrivers, and other emergency tools. You may also have medical kits, fire extinguishers, flares, and reflective warning triangles to be prepared for any worst-case scenarios.
It may not always be mentioned in survival kit lists, but a slim jim car unlocking tool can be a lifesaver while on the road. It’s’ best to be prepared for any scenario, including locking yourself out of your car by accident. Or even worse, accidentally locking your child or pet inside the vehicle. This locksmith tool is inserted between your car’s window and the rubber seal until it can latch onto the locking mechanism.
You may have seen this used by car thieves in movies, but the slim jim has now become an essential tool in an auto locksmith’s arsenal. But remember that you will need to practice ahead of time to learn how to use a slim jim properly. Also, this tool won’t work on electric locks, so you must prepare an alternative plan for that scenario.
Do not bring too many ”travel necessities.”
Packing too much unnecessary stuff in your car is not ideal as it could add more weight. The heavier the load is, the more challenging your engine is to work and keep the car going. With harder engine work, more fuels are consumed and burned down.
So, leave all the extra pillows, overflowing bags, and coolers of snacks, and throw in some stuff that you might need on your way to your next destination. Moreover, a jump-packed cabin may lead to distractions.
It is exciting to go on a road trip, especially with your family or friends; that is why remind all the passengers to pack light for everyone to have breathable space and enough room to feel comfortable.
Lastly, a road trip is not about the stuff you bring but the safety and memories you gather along the way to your destination. Again, to be fully prepared before going on a trip, follow the mentioned tips in this article or visit a car mechanic in Tullamarine to ensure that your vehicle is good to go.
Author Bio: Leila Brent, A freelance writer in Melbourne Leila, is a new mother with a strong passion for writing. Writing has allowed Leila to be with her newborn and communicate her passion for writing daily. She specializes in retail-based copy and has plenty of experience communicating how good products are to the right buyers. For more of her Blogs, visit Castle Jackson.